2. amps-preamps
  3. 129137-94682

Tube Preamp Recommendations?

Hello, I'm a newbie to this forum.  I'm on the hunt for a new tube pre-amp.  I think.  It is replacing an aging PSE Hybrid Line Stage 1 preamp.  Several of the RCA outputs on the PSE don't work, the power button is finicky, and it is all original, ostensibly in need of major overhaul.  Labels on capacitors and other parts have fallen off, etc.  I love the slightly warm (to my ear) holographic sound of the PSE.  I would like to upgrade the SQ.  I find bright, high resolution sound like that of my KEF X300A computer desktop speakers very fatiguing after a short period of time.  

My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands.  I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.

My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function.  Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear.  I'd appreciate any recommendations.  Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.

Thanks for any tips or advice!
robert1234

Showing 3 responses by kalali

kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

Your options will depend on your budget. For warmer sound, most recommend a CJ tube preamp but consider the higher than average gain when matching with your amp/speaker. If you have an amp with a low input voltage sensitivity combined with an efficient/sensitive speaker, you won't be able to move the preamp volume control pass 9 o'clock unless you like your music extremely loud.

If buying only new and your budget is little tight, it would be hard to beat this:

http://schiit.com/products/Freya


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I think the OP already bought an AR SP6b. Just curious to hear how he likes it... This is of course if he ever returns back to post his impressions.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

"...went to a 6SN7 based amp. Mapletree and Atmasphere make this kind of pre, but they aren’t going to yield you more detail."

Does this mean these provide less detail at the expense of more midrange bloom? Can you please elaborate since I’m really intrigued by the Mapletree line stage preamp in particular but also enjoy the detail sound my current SS preamp delivers.

Thanks.

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